Designed for enjoyment, to put body and mind in order, spas are considered part of the daily life and routine of Budapest’s residents. Their importance in the local culture dates back centuries to the time of the Roman conquest.

Budapest is a place where hundreds of natural water springs and springs full of health-giving minerals converge. In addition, the high natural temperature at which the water reaches the surface makes it a real pleasure all year round.

No time of the year is considered a bad time to enjoy the local thermal baths and spas. In the summer the large pools provide a refreshing temperature and in the winter it’s a real pleasure to be outside, watching the sun and the snow fall, while soaking in the warm water.

Sounds all very appetising, doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at a list of what we consider to be the best spas and thermal baths in the city of hot springs. The best of the best.

Best thermal baths in Budapest

Gellért Baths

Kelenhegyi út 4-6

Architectural jewel. This is how we could define the option with which we have decided to begin our list. It is, in itself, a work of art. A pure representation of what is known as architectural Art Nouveau.

We are going to find this style a lot and it is characterised by moving lines, fine in its design and a perfect joint organisation between architecture, furniture and decoration. Everything is thought as a whole. If you want to see a clear example of this, you already have the perfect excuse to visit the Gellért.

Go as a tourist and end up as a customer. Once you put aside the fact of how beautiful your structure is, you can start to enjoy all that one of the largest and most beautiful thermal baths in the city has to offer.

Built and integrated into the Gellért hotel building in 1918, it underwent two extensions due to the high demand in 1927 and 1934. You’ll find fabulous facilities with saunas, wave pool, outdoor hot and cold water pools, plus views and decor worth seeing even if there were no pools.

Add to this a wide range of massages, from simple to medical to couples. Whichever activity you choose, it’s a wonderful feeling to be part of a place with so much history and which, we’re sure, you’ve seen in a film or advert.

Széchenyi Baths

Állatkerti krt. 9-11 

Impossible not to mention this place as first or second on the list. It is literally impossible and irresistible. We are talking about, nothing more and nothing less, the largest thermal complex in Europe. To stand out as a large thermal bath in a city with more than 120, says a lot about its high quality.

As with Gellért, its architecture and layout are a work of art in themselves. Opened in 1913, it has 21 pools. Yes, you read that right, 21 pools offering everything you can imagine; hot, burning, cold, icy, large, small, indoor and outdoor.

It may be one of the most expensive spas, but it is worth every penny you pay for the visit. And there’s one more surprise Széchenyi has in store for music and party lovers; the “sparties”. Live DJ parties with light shows – what more could you ask for?

Irgalmasok Veli Bej Baths

Árpád fejedelem útja 7

This thermal bath is often left out of the list of the main thermal baths and this is completely incomprehensible. A place does not need to host hundreds of people to be considered a quality and interesting place. And this is the perfect example.

The soul of this bath is, besides its obvious beauty, its peace. It is not as touristy as the two previously mentioned, but it is not completely unknown either. Császár Bath, as it was formerly known, is a place created and maintained to bring calm to both body and mind.

With a long history dating back to the mid-16th century, it offers its visitors numerous swimming pools, steam baths, saunas and jacuzzi, as well as a full range of massage services.

Lukács Baths

25-29 Frankel Leó utca

In the area of Puente de Margarita, you will find this unique corner with a really special atmosphere. You have to go in and experience it to understand it. It has 8 swimming pools of great beauty, although its main attraction may not be that, but the terraces it has.

Leaving luxury and glamour to one side, although without renouncing them completely, we arrive at the Lukács Baths, a beautiful thermal baths that invite you to enjoy and, why not? To get lost among its pools. Among its beautiful pools and terraces, there is a bohemian atmosphere of relaxation and constant inspiration.

Nearby Margit Bridge, this thermal bath is one of the locals’ favourites, which says a lot about its quality. If we had to highlight one of its strong points, it would be the terraces, especially the one on the roof. You can’t miss it.

Its 8 swimming pools, full of minerals that are beneficial to health, not only provide a remedy for aches and pains, but also host parties and music sessions on many weekends, perfect for having a great time with the best company.

Rudas

9 Döbrentei tér

Impressive spa with a cosy yet magnificent interior design. But perhaps what this place, built in 1550, hides is more in plain sight. Its outdoor pool, located on a high point from where you can admire part of the city, is something worth seeing and enjoying.

Its seven pools offer everything your body could need but, in addition, they offer hammam, saunas and a wide range of massage services.

You can’t leave this place off your list of sights to see in Budapest, because that would be a big mistake. It has everything a great monument can offer as well as providing a great experience in its waters.

Extra information about thermal baths in Budapest

Don’t forget that before visiting any of the thermal baths, it is very important that you are aware of the rules they have. From Turkish baths with exclusive hours for men or women, to the use of a type of swimming costume or cap.

Also, don’t forget what time you go. You may want something quieter, so get up early to avoid all the tourists and be surrounded only by locals.

In order to get the most out of your experience, check the website of the hot spring you are visiting to see if there are any inconveniences, new rules or surprises waiting for you.